Interview Advice – My Take on How To Handle an Interview

I am by no means an expert with interviews. However, I have done research on them, and some personal experiences sure help enforce some of my research!

Here are some of my suggestions, which are in no way an “Official Guide”:

Be Yourself

Whatever company is hiring you, is going to want YOU. If you’re being fake or not yourself, or try to be “more” than you really are, then you may be destined for failure

Getting the job is half the battle, you then have to perform well to keep the job, or live up to the expectations you’ve set – This is a great reason why you should be yourself

Know what your position would be

It’s common sense, but you may want to ensure that you know every little bit about what you’re going to do.

Employers will often ask the question “How can you benefit our company?” – This is your chance to shine.

Be Knowledgeable about the company

Familiarize yourself with as much information as possible. Dig up all you can on their culture, policies, and check out their blog, website, anything you can get info on!

These can be great conversation points, and show you care enough about the company to know what’s going on with it.

Dress Appropriately

Even if the culture at the company may be “Jeans and a Shirt”, show that you care. Wear at least a nice pair of clean ironed slacks, and a nice dress shirt with shoes. It shows you’re serious and considerate enough to the company and to the interview in question.

Know Your Resume

Most likely they chose you for an interview after reviewing your resume. Something may have sparked their interest, so be prepared to describe your previous positions/duties.

Try to find qualities/duties from your previous positions that may relate to the position you’re applying for. Bring this up if they don’t, as a positive point (See: Know what your position would be)

Be Confident

If you go into an interview, and you’re overly apprehensive or nervous then this may in turn result in a lack of confidence from them. It’s normal to get the “jitters” before going into an interview, but try and shake them off as best as you can.

Sometimes your qualifications are just as important as being a people person, and “clicking” with your future boss/team.

The Hand Shake

This goes along with the confidence tip. A firm handshake shows something good about your character, confidence, and abilities to meet/click with people.

Pro Tip: Don’t squeeze their hand so hard you or them may get hurt/be in pain.

I’ve seen people get denied jobs, even though they were fully qualified, simply based off of things like lack of confidence.